It’s been a funny old week. President Obama came for a visit, Cheryl Cole came home, and Lionel Messi came to show us how to play football. But what about the comings and goings in West Hampstead?

Much of this week’s local news has revolved around the neighbourhood shops. Gustoso is turning into Lena’s restaurant and café. The shop half of the Kitchen Table & Stores is closing. Caffé Nero is opening. Estate agent Brian Lack & Co. (West Hampstead’s original agent) is closing but Goldschmidt & Howland is taking its place.

Cllr Keith Moffitt pointed out that people missing Atlanta (now Caffe Nero) can visit its mini-branch on Finchley Road,

Camden released its report on libraries. There are three proposals under consideration, the most extreme of which would see West Hampstead library close, but the most likely option would see library provision at Belsize, Heath and Chalk Farm move to an alternative provider. 

Following a community meeting, the Swiss Cottage/Kilburn dispersal zone has been extended for 6 months.

There was a crash on Thursday involving a C11 and two cars at the junction of West End Lane and Broadhurst Gardens.

A West End Lane man has been living in his car to avoid clamping.

Whampstyle was a big hit on Thursday.

There was a sizeable police presence on the Kilburn High Road before Saturday’s Champions League Final.

A new mapping project shows West Hampstead in the 1880s.

West End Lane Books has launched a book group.

The Swiss Cottage Odeon is going to have an IMAX screen AND a fancy bar when it reopens.

Interested in a more sustainable future? Head to St James’ Church on June 6 for a West Hampstead Transition Town kick-off meeting.

Tweet of the Week
Finishing where we began with the presidential visit: